If you haven’t heard of the word ‘Alté’, you’re probably part of the boomer generation or Gen X. It’s a popular term among Gen Zs (and some millennials) now. Thanks to music and pop culture, this trend has made a comeback and looks like it’s here to stay.
In most of Nigeria’s big cities, young people are creating a new way to dress that shows off their unique style. This trend, called Alté Fashion, is not just about clothes. It’s about a whole way of life for young Nigerians who want to stand out and show who they are.
You can often tell a young Nigerian who subscribes to this fashion style by how they mix bright colors, different patterns, and modern styles with traditional ones. Also, things like ankle chains, multiple body piercing, visible tattoos, or bright hair colors often point to a blog individual who has broken free from usual styles and societal expectations.
Historically, the movement is all about being free to express yourself and being different. In music, it takes inspiration from many genres, like Afrobeats, rap, soul, dancehall, and R&B, to make a genreless sound that speaks to young Nigerians’ lives and dreams.
In this article, we’ll look at what makes this fashion trend special and how it’s changing the way people think about style in Nigeria and the rest of the world. But before that, let’s talk about what it means.
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Table of Contents
What is Alté Fashion?
Alté fashion, short for alternative fashion, is a unique signature style that stands apart from regular fashion. It’s how Nigeria’s Gen Z dresses to show who they are and be different. It mixes old and new styles, so you can wear loose clothes, bold jewelry, and bright colors however you like. Alté isn’t about following fashion rules but about making your own. It’s a way of life that celebrates being yourself, being creative, and not following what society expects.
Alté fashion is often linked to old-school, retro, and edgy elements like piercings, baggy pants, and dirty sneakers, which people call “new school”. While regular fashion usually goes with what’s popular, Alté fashion does its own thing. For young Nigerians, Alté fashion is a way to be different and show style without following any rules, except the ones they make for themselves.
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The Origins of Nigeria’s Alté Movement
The Alté movement is a fresh and exciting trend among Nigeria’s young people. It started around 2007 when the internet became popular in Nigeria, allowing young people to mix global styles with local ones. This mix created a new kind of music and fashion that was different from the usual.
Key figures in the Alté scene include the music group DRB LasGidi, whose members TeeZee, BOJ, and Fresh L helped start the movement. The term ‘Alté’ itself became well-known through their 2014 song “Paper” and has since been used to talk about different music styles. Other notable artists like Odunsi (The Engine), Santi (now known as Cruel Santino), Lady Donli, Amaarae, Tay Iwar, Fasina, Odumodublvck, and Nonso Amadi have also been important in shaping Alté.
Big moments for Alté like the release of the song “Popping Again” by Show Dem Camp, featuring Boj and Odunsi, showed off the Alté style and further solidified its place in the Nigerian creative industry. Over time, Alté has grown with Alte artists gaining international recognition and showing a new side of African music and fashion.
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Key Elements of Alté Style
Alté style is how young Nigerians dress to be different and have fun. Here’s what makes it special:
- Clothes and Accessories: Alté style likes big, comfy clothes and vintage shirts. People wear loose t-shirts, crop tops, miniskirts, baggy pants, leathers and eye-catching pieces like chunky chains and colorful rings. Hip bags (fanny packs), tall boots, and editorial makeup also play a big part in the Alté look.
- Colors and Patterns: Alté outfits use lots of colors and patterns. And most of the time, this means wearing colors other people would dare not. You’ll see bright, bold colors mixed with softer ones, making a palette as unique as the people wearing it. Patterns are often bold or have a retro feel, adding a bit of old-school charm to modern outfits.
- Personal Touch: What’s really neat is that people customize their clothes to make them unique. They add patches, paint, or stitches to give old clothes a new look. This is great because it means reusing clothes and always having something one-of-a-kind.
So, Alté style is not just about what you wear. It’s about expressing yourself and enjoying your style. It’s a big part of what makes young Nigerians stand out.
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Influential Figures in Alté Fashion
The Alté fashion world is full of life, just like the people who shape it. Leading the way are artists and designers who not only wear Alté style but also create it.
TeeZee, from the music group DRB LasGidi, is often seen as the pioneer of Alté. His music and style show what Alté is all about—freedom and being yourself.
Ashley Okoli, a lagos-based stylist, model, creative director and designer, is another important person in Alté fashion. Her work shows the Alté idea of self-expression and not following the crowd. Her brands, Sillet and Hexefae, promote body confidence and fashion that isn’t limited by gender, making bold statements in a society that’s usually more conservative.
In interviews, these influencers talk about Alté in ways that are as colorful as their clothes. Okoli, for example, says Alté is about living “just as you should,” showing how important being real is in the movement. For TeeZee, it’s an alternative form of self expression for young Africans that “goes against the hierarchy.” Their words connect with a generation that’s eager to define themselves in their own way.
These leaders, along with others like Santi, Wavy The Creator, and Amaarae, keep inspiring others through their art and fashion, making Alté a trend that’s recognized around the world.
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Alté Fashion’s Influence on Mainstream Trends
Alté fashion has had a big impact on popular trends, both at home and abroad. This style, known for going against the usual fashion rules, has brought a new way of expressing yourself through clothes.
Alté’s influence as mentioned earlier can be seen in how popular baggy clothes, crop tops, bold colors, vintage shirts, and fanny packs have become. These styles are now welcomed by more people, not just in Nigeria but around the world. The love for bold accessories, creative makeup, and unique hairstyles from the Alté movement has also spread to global fashion.
Internationally, Alté fashion has been a refreshing change, shaking up what’s normal with its unique style and mix of different looks. It’s inspired designers and fashion lovers to think outside the box, mixing old-fashioned and new styles. Brands like David Blackmoore and Severe Nature have gained international recognition for their innovative designs that reflect the Alté subculture. This movement has also brought back goth, grunge, Y2K styles and a focus on sustainable fashion. Alté’s idea of being yourself and staying real connects with a generation that cares more about personal identity.
Alté fashion’s journey from a local trend to a global influencer shows how its story and values—being yourself, being creative, and daring to be different—are something everyone can relate to.
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Future of Alté Fashion in Nigeria and Beyond
Looking ahead, Alté fashion is set to become even more influential in the world of fashion.
Expect the movement to keep pushing boundaries with bold patterns, unusual materials, and a mix of different cultures. More people will likely start choosing sustainable options both in making and buying clothes.
Alté fashion is moving from a small, niche group into something much bigger. Its focus on freedom and self-expression connects with young people all over the world, not just in Nigeria. And because it’s open to new ideas and different people, Alté fashion will keep growing and changing. And like culture journalist, Wale Oloworekende suggests, the Alté scene is at a critical point in deciding its future direction in terms of style.
As Alté fashion grows, it won’t just change what people wear, but also how they think, creating a world where being creative and true to yourself is what matters most.
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Conclusion
Alté fashion is more than just a trend; it’s a powerful form of self-expression for Nigeria’s youth. It’s a way to stand out, to be different, and to tell the world what you believe in. This style has started conversations about personal freedom and shown that fashion can be a force for change.
Now, it’s your turn to join the exciting world of Alté fashion. Explore the colors, the patterns, and the stories behind each piece. Whether you’re in Nigeria or anywhere else in the world, there’s a place for you in the Alté community. So, go ahead, mix up your style, and maybe even start your own fashion movement. Remember, Alté fashion isn’t just about what you wear; it’s about the message you send and the future you want to create. Let’s keep this movement growing and glowing!